- RYAN BADER VS ERIC SCHAFER SET FOR UFC 104

by Damon Martin- MMAWeekly.com
The UFC’s return to Los Angeles just added a light heavyweight contest to the card as “Ultimate Fighter” season 8 winner Ryan “Darth” Bader returns to action to face jiu-jitsu ace Eric “Red” Schafer in a 205-pound divisional bout on the main card.

Bader first announced the fight via his Twitter page on Wednesday, and later confirmed the news directly to MMAWeekly.com.

After winning the eighth season of The Ultimate Fighter, Bader returned with another win in his next fight, a dominant performance over American Top Team fighter Carmelo Marrero.

Following the win, he had to deal with a torn MCL and PCL in his knee, which put him out of action, but he will look to keep his undefeated record in tact when he faces a very tough opponent on Oct. 24 at UFC 104.

Since returning to the UFC after a brief exit from the organization, Schafer has been on a mission to reach the top of the light heavyweight division. He’s looked impressive with wins over opponents like Houston Alexander and Antonio Mendes.

Schafer was set to return earlier this year, but a rib injury forced him out of his scheduled June bout against Tomasz Drwal. Now he may have an even bigger opportunity when facing the former Arizona State wrestling standout.

The bout between Bader and Schafer will grace the main card featuring a headliner with UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida making his first title defense against former Pride Grand Prix champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.